NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
58 reportsClear category filter118,000 miles · May 29, 2014
Service BrakesService Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ENGAGING THE BRAKES, ALL THE BRAKE FLUID LEAKED FROM THE BRAKE LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ENGAGING THE BRAKES, ALL THE BRAKE FLUID LEAKED FROM THE BRAKE LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,500. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10594847
65,300 miles · Aug 19, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
SOLD MY 1997 CHEV. CAVALIER TO A 17 YEAR OLD GIRL. HER DAD TOOK CAR FOR TEST DRIVE BEFORE CASH PURCHASE. HE WENT 200 FEET DOWN THE STREET THEN BACKED UP INTO MY DRIVEWAY. HE SAID BRAKE WARNING LITE CAME ON AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. WE SAW BRAKE FLUID POURING FROM UNDER CAR. THE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED AND BLEW OUT. I TOOK THE…
Read full complaint
SOLD MY 1997 CHEV. CAVALIER TO A 17 YEAR OLD GIRL. HER DAD TOOK CAR FOR TEST DRIVE BEFORE CASH PURCHASE. HE WENT 200 FEET DOWN THE STREET THEN BACKED UP INTO MY DRIVEWAY. HE SAID BRAKE WARNING LITE CAME ON AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. WE SAW BRAKE FLUID POURING FROM UNDER CAR. THE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED AND BLEW OUT. I TOOK THE CAR TO TUFFY AUTO CENTER AND THEY SPLICED NEW BRAKE LINES TO FIX. I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THAT PLAIN STEEL LINES WERE ROUTED UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND EXPOSED TO ALL KINDS OF CORROSIVE ELEMENTS. WE WERE ALL THANKFUL THAT THE GIRL DID NOT BUY THE CAR THEN GET INTO A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT THAT DAY. HOW MANY OTHER CAVALIERS ARE OUT THERE IN DANGEROUS CONDITION? I CAN NOT SEE HOW GM GOT AWAY WITH BRAKE AND GAS LINES INSTALLED IN SUCH A CHEAP AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS LOCATION. ALL THE PREVIOUS DESCRIPTION IS ACCOUNTED FOR BY THE PURCHASER AND TUFFY AUTO CENTER. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10420729
Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I HEARD OF A RECENT RECALL CONCERNING THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM ON GM VEHICLES. IT SOUNDS LIKE WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY SON''S 1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT BELOW 10 MILES PER HOUR, FOR NO REASON THE ABS SYSTEM KICKED IN MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP SAFELY. I HAD TO PULL THE FUSE AND BY-PASS THE SYSTEM TO MAK…
Read full complaint
I HEARD OF A RECENT RECALL CONCERNING THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM ON GM VEHICLES. IT SOUNDS LIKE WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY SON''S 1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT BELOW 10 MILES PER HOUR, FOR NO REASON THE ABS SYSTEM KICKED IN MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP SAFELY. I HAD TO PULL THE FUSE AND BY-PASS THE SYSTEM TO MAKE THE CAR SAFE TO DRIVE AGAIN. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10146874
Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED.*MR THE REAR BRAKE LINES AND HOSES HAVE BEEN REPLCED THREE TIMES DUE TO RUST. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REOMBURSEMENT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10132364
96,000 miles · Jan 18, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineService Brakes, Hydraulic
HEAD GASKET REPLACED @27000 MILES, FUEL PUMP @ 30000 AND AGAIN AT 96000 MILES. BRAKES REPLACED 2X A YEAR FOR 5 YEARS. DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DOESN'T SEAL PROPERLY. FAN ONLY WORKS ON SPEED 3 OR 4. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10106554
15,648 miles · Nov 20, 2003
EquipmentService Brakes, Hydraulic
CONSUMER RECEIVED A BILL FOR CHARGES FOR REPAIRS THAT WAS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR VEHICLE.*MR (NAR) *CB
NHTSA ODI #10048476
Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2003
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic
WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED STOPPING DISTANCE. *JB AFTER THE CONSUMER RECEIVED SERVICE FOR THE IGNITION RECALL, THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE VEHICLE DIDN'T START UNTIL THREE TRIES LATER. SCC
NHTSA ODI #10009092
Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THE BRAKES GRABBED WHEN THEY WERE APPLIED.*JB..*AK
NHTSA ODI #10008947
Mileage unknown · Sep 1, 2002
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP BRAKES GRAB CAUSING THE CAR TO JERK SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE STOPPING. THIS OCCURS ON BOTH WET AND DRY PAVEMENT. IN ADDITION TO THIS, WHEN IT RAINS THE CAR HAS A DELAYED REACTION WITH THE BRAKES, OFTEN REQUIRING ABOUT 10 FEET BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. BRAKES ARE ALSO CONTINUOUSLY SQUEAKING/SQUEALIN…
Read full complaint
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP BRAKES GRAB CAUSING THE CAR TO JERK SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE STOPPING. THIS OCCURS ON BOTH WET AND DRY PAVEMENT. IN ADDITION TO THIS, WHEN IT RAINS THE CAR HAS A DELAYED REACTION WITH THE BRAKES, OFTEN REQUIRING ABOUT 10 FEET BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. BRAKES ARE ALSO CONTINUOUSLY SQUEAKING/SQUEALING, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE BRAKES ARE NEW OR WORN.*AK
NHTSA ODI #766532
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2002
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingSeat Belts
HAVE PUT 3 ALTERNATORS ON THIS CAR, EVEN WHEN UNDER WARRANTY BEFORE 12,000 MILES (APPROXIMATELY). BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST 3 TIMES. NOW, THE BRAKES HAVE FAILED COMPLETELY AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. DEALER SAYS NO RECALLS, EXCEPT FOR THE IGNITION SYSTEM. SCHEDULED THAT FOR REPAIR 7/23/02. SEAT BELT PLASTIC COVERS …
Read full complaint
HAVE PUT 3 ALTERNATORS ON THIS CAR, EVEN WHEN UNDER WARRANTY BEFORE 12,000 MILES (APPROXIMATELY). BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST 3 TIMES. NOW, THE BRAKES HAVE FAILED COMPLETELY AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. DEALER SAYS NO RECALLS, EXCEPT FOR THE IGNITION SYSTEM. SCHEDULED THAT FOR REPAIR 7/23/02. SEAT BELT PLASTIC COVERS SNAPPED OFF (BELT LOOSE ON ONE AND HIT BY CAR DOOR WHEN SHUTTING IT. THE OTHER ONE JUST POPPED OFF. BELT CONTINUES TO SLIP OFF ENGINE, CAUSES STALLING EVEN IF DRIVING 55 MPH. NOW BRAKES INTERMITTENTLY FAILING. LEFT FRONT BRAKE CONTINUES TO HAVE BRAKE DUST ACCUMULATE ON WHEEL COVER. CAR HAS 110,000 MILES ON IT (ENGINE REPAIRED LAST YEAR). CAR IS ALSO OVERHEATING; HAS HAD TSTAT REPLACED, RADIATOR FLUID. WHAT ELSE COULD CAUSE THIS, I DON'T KNOW.
NHTSA ODI #764429
Official recalls
7Nov 4, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Mar 6, 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Dec 15, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM BOLTS CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL CAN OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM FASTENERS.
Jun 29, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. BECAUSE OF CERTAIN CALIBRATIONS IN THE AIR BAG'S SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE, AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD OCCUR IN A LOW SPEED CRASH OR WHEN AN OBJECT STRIKES THE FLOOR PAN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AIR BAGS DEPLOY WITH GREAT FORCE AND CAN SERIOUSLY INJURE UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANTS WHO ARE TOO CLOSE TO THEM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE AIR BAG SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE.
Feb 25, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH MIS-LOCATED WELDS AT THE JOINT BETWEEN THE LEFT ROCKER PANEL INNER REINFORCEMENT AND THE BODY SIDE RING. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 214, "SIDE DOOR STRENGTH."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SHEET METAL STRUCTURE WOULD NOT PERFORM AS DESIRED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELDS AND, IF NECESSARY, PLACE FIVE WELDS BETWEEN THE INVOLVED PANELS AND APPLY PRIMER AND TOPCOAT FINISH MATERIALS.
Jun 28, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH INCORRECT RIMS. IF THE SPARE TIRE IS UNDERINFLATED, THE BEAD CAN SEPARATE FROM THE RIM CAUSING A RAPID LOSS OF AIR. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A RAPID LOSS OF AIR CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIM ON THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY. OWNERS ARE REQUESTED NOT TO USE THE SPARE TIRE UNTIL THE RIM HAS BEEN REPLACED.
Aug 29, 1996
THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT WIPER BLADE ASSEMBLY (17" LONG INSTEAD OF 22" LONG) ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 104, "WINDSHIELD WIPING AND WASHING SYSTEMS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE AREA AND PATTERN WIPED ON THE WINDSHIELD WILL BE REDUCED AND COULD AFFECT THE DRIVER'S VIEW IN WET WEATHER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE CORRECT WIPER BLADE ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A CORRECT LENGTH WIPER BLADE ASSEMBLY.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4DP03007 · Unintended Vehicle Acceleration
Opened Oct 14, 2003 · Closed Jan 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Other:delivery
ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2003, THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) RECEIVED A LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 8, 2003 FROM MR. DONALD FRIEDMAN, PETITIONING THE AGENCY TO OPEN A DEFECT INVESTIGATION INTO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION INVOLVING [MODEL YEAR] 1996 AND 1997 GENERAL MOTORS J-CARS.IN SUPPORT OF HIS PETITION, MR. FRIEDMAN CITED A REPORT HE RECEIVED FOR GM SHOWING IT HAD RECEIVED FAR MORE REPORTS OF ALLEGED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FOR THESE MODELS THAN FOR OTHERS.AFTER ASSESSING THE DATA CLAIMED BY THE PETITIONER TO JUSTIFY HIS REQUEST, ODI FOUND NO INDICATION THAT DEFECT TREND RELATED TO THE PETITIONER'S ALLEGATIONS EXISTS AT THIS TIME.THEREFORE, THERE IS NO REASONABLE POSIBILITY THAT AN ORDER CONCERNING THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT WOULD BE ISSUED AS A RESULT OF GRANTING MR. FRIEDMAN'S PETITION.CONSEQUENTLY, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA'S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY'S SAFETY MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS ANALYSIS, PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE.
PE02001 · Fire In Steering Column Area
Opened Jan 3, 2002 · Closed Mar 15, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
No summary supplied.
EA98001 · Oversensitive Air Bag Deployments
Opened Jan 23, 1998 · Closed Jul 31, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
There is no summary currently available
PE97041 · Inadvertent Air Bag Deployments
Opened Sep 9, 1997 · Closed Jan 23, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
There is no summary currently available
Illustration